Straw On The Left, Gold On The Right
Straw On The Left, Gold On The Right
Signed Print
David Hockney
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Medium: Etching
Edition size: 100
Year: 1969
Size: H 38cm x W 43cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
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Meaning & Analysis
Two haystacks sit side by side, casting long shadows into empty space. But all is not as it seems. As the title of the print indicates, on the left is straw and on the right is spun gold. The scene is based on the story of Rumpelstiltskin, in which a miller boasts to a king that his daughter is capable of spinning straw into gold. The king takes her to a room of straw and orders her to get to work. After many fruitless attempts the girl is in despair, at which point Rumpelstiltskin appears and completes the impossible task in exchange for her necklace.The story escalates of course but here Hockney has chosen to focus on the bare piles of straw and gold, stripping the scene of its context and drama. In this way the work reflects what Hockney loved about the way the Brothers Grimm. Commenting on his attraction to this subject he said, “They're fascinating, the little stories, told in a very very simple, direct, straightforward language and style, it was this simplicity that attracted me. They cover quite a strange range of experience, from the magical to the moral.”
British-born artist David Hockney is a kaleidoscopic force in the art world. Born in 1937, Hockney's vibrant palette and innovative techniques have left an indelible mark on contemporary art. A pioneer of the British Pop Art movement in the 1960s, he seamlessly transitioned through various styles, from photo collages to vivid landscapes. Renowned for his exploration of light and space, Hockney's versatility extends to painting, printmaking, photography, and stage design. A captivating storyteller, his works often capture the essence of modern life with a playful yet profound touch. With a career spanning decades, Hockney remains an enduring visionary in the ever-evolving art world.
